System, method, and computer program for managing a shared quota for a plurality of network subscribers in a consumer telecommunications network

Abstract

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for managing a shared quota for a plurality of network subscribers in a consumer telecommunications network. In use, an Sy interface session is established for a subscriber of a consumer telecommunications network, the Sy interface session being between a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) node and an Online Charging System (OCS) node of the consumer telecommunications network. Further, it is determined whether the subscriber is associated with any multi-subscriber shared usage counters on the consumer telecommunications network. Responsive to determining that the subscriber is associated with at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter on the consumer telecommunications network, a reference to the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter is provided to the PCRF node by the OCS node. Additionally, the OCS node monitors the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter. Responsive to determining that a status of the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter has changed, a single Spending Status Notification Request (SNR) message is sent to the PCRF node, the single SNR message notifying the PCRF node that the status of the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter has changed. Responsive to the PCRF node receiving the single SNR message notifying the PCRF node that the status of the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter has changed, the PCRF node determines which open sessions on the consumer telecommunications network are associated with the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter. Furthermore, one or more policy changes to the open sessions are executed in accordance with the change to the at least one multi-subscriber shared usage counter.